Lockheed Hudson

Hudson
A-28 / A-29 / AT-18
Lockheed A-29 Hudson
General information
TypeBomber, reconnaissance, transport, maritime patrol aircraft
ManufacturerLockheed
Designer
Primary usersRoyal Air Force
Number built2,941
History
Manufactured1938–1943
Introduction date1939
First flight10 December 1938
Developed fromLockheed Model 14 Super Electra

The Lockheed Hudson is a light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft built by the American Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. It was initially put into service by the Royal Air Force shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War and primarily operated by it thereafter. The Hudson was a military conversion of the Model 14 Super Electra airliner, and was the first significant aircraft construction contract for Lockheed — the initial RAF order for 200 Hudsons far surpassed any previous order the company had received.[1][2][3]

The Hudson served throughout the war, mainly with Coastal Command but also in transport and training roles, as well as delivering agents into occupied France. It was also used extensively with the Royal Canadian Air Force's anti-submarine squadrons and by the Royal Australian Air Force.

  1. ^ Herman 2012, pp. 11, 85, 86.
  2. ^ Parker 2013, pp. 59, 71.
  3. ^ Borth 1945, p. 244.